Happy Mental Health Awareness, everyone! In the spirit of helping to raise awareness about bipolar disorder, I thought I would post a blog with three simple ways you can raise awareness. Don’t worry; no supplies are needed and anyone can join in.
Simple Way to Raise Awareness About Bipolar Disorder #1
In the 90s, Brad Pitt and Ed Norton starred in the movie Fight Club. Because of that movie, the phrase, “First rule of (X) – don’t talk about (X)” entered the popular lexicon.
If you are a member of an underground fight club, that is probably pretty good advice. But if you are trying to change the way society sees bipolar disorder, then not talking about it isn’t going to help at all.
The first rule of raising awareness about bipolar disorder –talk about bipolar disorder. The more open and honest we are, the better.
Simple Way to Raise Awareness About Bipolar Disorder #2
Rule number two is really just an extension of rule number one. Talking about bipolar is easy among people who already accept that it is a treatable mental illness.
In mental health advocacy, we do a lot of talking inside the circle. We talk to people who already agree with us. This is a great thing for honing our knowledge and supporting each other, but the phrase “preaching to the choir” definitely applies.
In order to raise awareness about bipolar disorder, we must talk to people outside the circle. This is easier said than done, but if you are willing, you will see many opportunities. The news media, for example, reports on mental illness quite often. The next time you overhear friends, coworkers, or strangers saying something untrue, be willing to step in with the correct information.
Simple Way to Raise Awareness About Bipolar Disorder #3
In keeping with the talking theme, be willing to tell everyone you know that you live with bipolar disorder. If you don’t have bipolar, don’t worry; I’m not leaving you out. If you have a loved one with bipolar, ask them how you can team up to raise awareness. My mom, as an example, tells everyone she meets about her son, who lives with — you guessed it — bipolar.
Society, in general, has a preconceived notion about how people with bipolar are “supposed to be.” Often, this opinion, which they believe is fact, is created by fictional portrayals in pop culture.
People living with bipolar have a unique opportunity and, some would say, a responsibility to live openly with this disorder so the public can see a more balanced view.
People are willing to reconsider their beliefs if a different view is presented in a respectful way. It might not happen instantly, but living well and letting others see that you are making your way just like everyone else goes a long way to changing the narrative.